With the commemoration of Christ’s death and burial just a few days away, we as widows reflect on our experience with death. For some of us, it was “the long good-bye” as disease took our spouses slowly. For others, it was that horrible phone call telling us our husbands’ lives were snatched away quickly. But death for each of us changed our lives significantly. We would forever think and act differently. We would experience pain and loneliness that only another widow would understand; and we would feel the depth of helplessness, anguish, grief, rejection, and abandonment.

What’s remarkable is that Jesus’ last words on the Cross reveal He felt these same emotions.
**  “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
**  To the criminal on the other cross, He said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
**  “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother’” (John 19:26,27).
**  “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34).
**  “I thirst” (John 19:28).
**  “It is finished” (John 19:30).
** “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

Jesus, however, did not stay in that tomb. Three days after the crucifixion, He rose in triumph. Death had no power over Him.

If you are a new widow, I can assure you that you will not always feel despair. The day will come when you feel whole again, and the sense of loss will be vague. God, in His mercy, gives resurrection life on the other side of death. He will help you work through every negative circumstance. His resurrection life is available to anyone. We only need to ask Him to renew His life in us.